COCONUT TIMBER

Coconut timber is a hardwood-substitute from coconut palm trees.

 It is referred to in the Philippines as coconut lumber

and elsewhere additionally as cocowood.

 It is a new timber resource that comes from plantation crops and offers an alternative

to rainforest timber.

Characteristics:

Its wood is reminiscent in appearance to mahogany; however, coconut timber has a much more fibrous grain than mahogany and lacks mahogany's iridescence.

Colour tones and hues range from golden to near ebony, with dark brown flecks.

 There are three basic colour divisions relating to the timber's density:

dark brown tones (high density); medium brown tones (medium density); and light golden tones

 (low density).

Coconut trunk, showing typical "grain" of coconut wood

Coconut timber or coconut lumber has many applications as both a structural

and interior design material.

One of primary uses of coconut timber is for building construction.

 Coconut timber is suitable for housing components like trusses,

purlins, walls, joists, doors, window frames and jalousies.

Coconut wood can be a promising material for the manufacture of furniture, novelties

and other handicrafts due to its beautiful grain and attractive natural appearance. 

Coconut palace in Philippines

The harder, high-density timber is suitable for general structural purposes such as pillars, trusses,

rafting, furniture, window and door frames, floors, decking and floor joists.

Medium density coconut timber can be used for walls,

ceiling joists and horizontal studs.

Low density coconut timber is used in non-load bearing applications like wood panelling,

 internal trim and ceilings, as well as homewares.

Coconut timber is a source of income for less developed south pacific island communities.

 The previously low value senile coconut trunks have been promoted as a source of veneer and other wood products.